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Monday, 13 February 2012

Five ways to get your CV noticed

Looking to apply for jobs now that your degree is almost finished? Great! Trouble is, you're going up against a lot of other graduates - from this year and last year.

So, how do you stand out? These days, a simple paper CV doesn't cut the mustard. With so many resources available to you, from Facebook to YouTube and online design packages, there's no reason why you can't be creative and make your CV something that potential employers want to see.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:

Match your CV to your industry
First things first, what industry are you hoping to go into? If you're looking to go into a creative industry, like advertising, social media, design or film, incorporating some of the skills you have into your CV would be wise.

For example:

If you want a job in print media, consider making your CV look like a newspaper front cover - highlighting your best points in the headlines.

Want a job in visual media? Consider turning your CV into a video. Have a look below for some ideas of how you can do that.

Considering a job with a management basis? Consider turning your CV into a report, demonstrating how you can help the company with your skills.

Want a career in maths, or geography? Turn your CV into a series of graphs, or a map of achievements.

Essentially, you need to think about what skills you want to showcase, then work out how to use them to create your CV.

Use your Design skills
If you're into graphic design, or know someone else who is, considering giving your CV a real design makeover to stand out. Check out some of the suggestions on Mashable, which range from an interactive Facebook page to the infographic below.

Make your CV Social Media savvy
One of the smartest things to do with your CV, is to make it so engaging that it's shared across social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Stumbleupon and YouTube. Graeme Anthony created an interactive video CV - and it went viral. His video spread like wildfire through social media, and he landed a job within a few days.

QR Codes, Business Cards and Websites
If you're willing to invest a little time in creating a CV online (try LinkedIn, or Innovate CV), you could try a little guerrilla marketing. Try going to a business car provider like Moo.com, and getting a QR Code printed on them which links to your website. Then leave your business cards in places that potential employers might visit. For example, you might want to leave some of them on the table of a business park coffee shop, on the seat of a rush hour train or ask a friend who works in a company you want to work for to pop them into the pigeon hole of their employer.

Spelling and grammar checks
So, you've developed your CV idea and created your work of art...now what? Check your grammar and spelling. Then ask someone else to check your grammar and spelling. Then ask someone ELSE to check it for you.

Don't underestimate the importance of good grammar and spelling. It could give you the edge over those who don't know the difference between their, there and they're.